Adhesive backing for package handling system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a tamper evident backing system, comprising an adhesive backing, the adhesive backing having a main body and sectioned portions, wherein the adhesive backing includes an outer surface is configured to adhere to a second surface, and wherein upon removal of an attached adhesive backing, said sectioned portions are configured to detach from main body and remain on said second surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.16/219,899, filed Dec. 13, 2018, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 15/842,079, filed Dec. 14, 2017, which claims benefit toProvisional Application No. 62/509,752 filed May 23, 2017, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is generally directed to a system to deter improperpackage handling.

BACKGROUND

Mishandling packages, especially during loading for transport, oftenresults in merchandise damage. Such mishandling may include placing anover-heavy load on top of a package not designed to withstand that load,causing force/pressure which may damage or crush the merchandise in apackage underneath. An example of this is when pallets, crates, boxes,or other cargo is stacked on top of other such or similar crate (i.e.double stacked) by a freight, package delivery, or moving company.Often, this may be due to negligence and/or recklessness on the part ofpersonnel handling the loading. As such, a system to encourage morecareful handling is needed.

SUMMARY

Various inventive features are described below that can each be usedindependently of one another or in combination with other features.

In accordance with various embodiments disclosed is an indicator for apackage handling system comprising: an indicator display; and a rupturecomponent, wherein the indicator is configured to integrate with a firstpackage of the package handling system, wherein the indicator isconfigured to display an indication upon application of a stacked weightforce exceeding a predetermined threshold value applied to theindicator, and wherein said rupture component is configured to ruptureupon application of said force exceeding said predetermined thresholdvalue to effectuate said display of said indication, wherein saidpackage handling system comprises stackable packages, wherein theindicator is configured to allow for at least one other package to bestacked on top of said first package with the indicator in a manner thatallows said at least one other package to lay relatively flat andsubstantially evenly supported on the surface of the package with theindicator.

In some embodiments, the indicator further comprises an attachmentmember configured to affix the indicator to the package. In someembodiments, the package is preformed with the indicator. In someembodiments, the indication displayed by the indicator is effectuated byat least one of a physical, chromic, chemical, or electrical change bythe indicator. In some embodiments, the rupture component is a chamberfilled with liquid, gel, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,the rupture component is a chamber filled with air. In some embodiments,the indicator comprises a chromic component. In some embodiments, theindication comprises a color change.

According to various embodiments, also disclosed is a package handlingsystem comprising: determining whether a cumulative weight forceexceeding a predetermined threshold value has been loaded upon a firstpackage of the package handling system by using an indicator configuredto integrate with said first package, wherein at least one additionalpackage is stackable on top of said first package when said firstpackage has said indicator integrated therewith, wherein said indicatoris configured to provide an indication upon application of a loadedweight force exceeding the predetermined threshold value to saidindicator, and wherein said indication comprises at least one of aphysical, chemical, chromic, or electrical change in the indicator.

In some embodiments, the said indicator comprises an adhesive backing.In some embodiments, the said indicator comprises a rupture componentconfigured to rupture upon application of said force exceeding saidpredetermined threshold value, said rupture component being a chamberfilled with liquid, gel, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,the said indicator comprises a chromic component, a color component, ora combination thereof. In some embodiments, the said indication is avisual indication comprising a color change.

According to various embodiments, also disclosed is a package handlingmethod comprising: integrating an indicator to a package, wherein saidintegrating comprises positioning said indicator on said package in amanner that allows said indicator to react to a load applied to saidpackage, wherein said indicator is configured to display an indicationin response to loading of a weight force exceeding a predeterminedthreshold value, said indication being effectuated by at least one of achromic, physical, chemical, or electrical change in said indicator; anddetermining whether at least one other package having a cumulativeweight force exceeding said predetermined threshold value has beenstacked upon said package with the indicator.

In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a rupture componentconfigured to rupture upon application of said force exceeding saidthreshold value. In some embodiments, the said rupture componentcomprises a chamber filled with liquid, gel, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the said rupture component comprises a chamberfilled with air. In some embodiments, the said indication comprises acolor change. In some embodiments, the integrating said indicator to thepackage comprises adhesively attaching the indicator to the package. Insome embodiments, the said predetermined threshold value is about 0.5lbs, about 1 lbs, about 5 lbs, about 25 lbs, about 50 lbs, about 75 lbs,about 100 lbs, or above 100 lbs.

In accordance with various embodiments, disclosed is a package handlingsystem comprising: an indicator designed to display a mishandlingindication upon application of a force in excess of a predeterminedthreshold force.

In accordance with further embodiments, disclosed is an indicator for apackage handling system comprising: an indicator display; and a rupturecomponent, wherein the indicator is configured to integrate with apackage of the package handling system, wherein the indicator isconfigured to display an indication upon application of a forceexceeding a predetermined threshold value applied to the indicator, andwherein said rupture component is configured to rupture upon applicationof said force exceeding said predetermined threshold value to effectuatesaid display of said indication. In some embodiments, the indicatorfurther comprises an attachment member configured to affix the indicatorto the package. In other embodiments, the package is preformed with theindicator. In yet further embodiments, the indication displayed by theindicator is effectuated by at least one of a physical, chromic,chemical, or electrical change by the indicator. In yet furtherembodiments, the rupture component is a chamber filled with liquid, gel,or a combination thereof. In yet further embodiments, the rupturecomponent is a chamber filled with air. In yet further embodiments, theindicator comprises a chromic component. In yet further embodiments, theindication comprises a color change.

In accordance with further embodiments, disclosed is a package handlingsystem comprising: an indicator configured to integrate with a packageof the package handling system, wherein at least one additional packageis stackable on top of a first package, said first package having saidindicator integrated therewith, wherein said indicator is configured toprovide an indication upon application of a force exceeding apredetermined threshold value to said indicator, and wherein saidindication comprises at least one of a physical, chemical, chromic, orelectrical change in the indicator. In some embodiments, the indicatorcomprises an adhesive backing. In other embodiments, the indicatorcomprises a rupture component configured to rupture upon application ofsaid force exceeding said predetermined threshold value, said rupturecomponent being a chamber filled with liquid, gel, or a combinationthereof. In yet further embodiments, said indicator comprises a chromiccomponent, a color component, or a combination thereof. In yet furtherembodiments, said indication is a visual indication comprising a colorchange.

In accordance with additional embodiments, disclosed is a packagehandling method comprising: integrating an indicator to a package,wherein said integrating comprises positioning said indicator on saidpackage in a manner that allows said indicator to be impacted by a forceto be applied to said package; and wherein said indicator is configuredto display an indication in response to impaction by a force exceeding apredetermined threshold value, said indication being effectuated by atleast one of a chromic, physical, chemical, or electrical change in saidindicator. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a rupturecomponent configured to rupture upon application of said force exceedingsaid threshold value. In some embodiments, said rupture componentcomprises a chamber filled with liquid, gel, or a combination thereof.In yet further embodiments, said rupture component comprises a chamberfilled with air. In yet further embodiments, said indication comprises acolor change. In yet further embodiments, integrating said indicator tothe package comprises adhesively attaching the indicator to the package.In yet further embodiments, the method further comprises stackinganother package on said package having said indicator.

According to various embodiments, disclosed is an indicator for apackage handling system comprising: an indicator display configured todisplay an indication upon application of a force exceeding a thresholdvalue applied to the indicator; and an adhesive backing, wherein theadhesive backing includes a main body and sectioned portions within themain body, wherein the indicator is configured to adhesively attach to asurface of a package of the package handling system via the adhesivebacking, and wherein upon removal of an attached indicator, saidsectioned portions are configured to detach from main body and remain onsaid surface.

In some embodiments, the sectioned portions comprise perforated orprecut enclosures. In some embodiments, the sectioned portions comprisea geometric enclosed shape or a logo design. In some embodiments, themain body and or sectioned portions are colored. In some embodiments,the main body and or sectioned portions are textured. In someembodiments, the indicator further comprises a rupture componentconfigured to rupture upon application of said force exceeding saidthreshold value. In some embodiments, the indication displayed by theindicator is effectuated by at least one of a chromic, physical,chemical, and electrical change by the indicator. In some embodiments,the indication displayed by the indicator is visual. In someembodiments, the rupture component is a chamber filled with air, liquid,gel, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the indicatorcomprises a chromic component. In some embodiments, the indicationcomprises a color change of the indicator.

Further disclosed, according to various embodiments, is a tamper evidentbacking system, comprising: an adhesive backing, the adhesive backinghaving a main body and sectioned portions, wherein the adhesive backingincludes an outer surface configured to adhere to a second surface, andwherein upon removal of an attached adhesive backing, said sectionedportions are configured to detach from main body and remain on saidsecond surface.

In some embodiments, the sectioned portions comprise perforated orprecut enclosures. In some embodiments, tamper evident backing system ofclaim 13, wherein the sectioned portions comprise a geometric enclosedshape or a logo design. In some embodiments, the main body and orsectioned portions are colored. In some embodiments, the main body andor sectioned portions are textured. In some embodiments, the main bodyand or sectioned portions are made of a rigid material. In someembodiments, the main body and or sectioned portions are made of aflexible material. In some embodiments, the adhesive backing is acomponent of a tamper proof seal. In some embodiments, the adhesivebacking is a component of a packing mishandling indicator.

1. According to further embodiments, disclosed is a tamper evidentbacking system, comprising: an adhesive backing, the adhesive backinghaving a main body and a color mark within the main body, wherein themain body is configured to adhesively attach to a surface, and whereinupon removal of the main body, said color mark is configured to imprinton said surface. In some embodiments, the adhesive backing is acomponent of a tamper proof seal. In some embodiments, the adhesivebacking is a component of a packing mishandling indicator. In someembodiments, the color mark comprises a logo design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a package handling system in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an indicator, comprising a plurality of bubbles, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates an indicator comprising a secondary cover, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates an indicator comprising a secondary cover overlayinga plurality of bubbles, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a package laying on a pallet and having twoindicators attached to its top surface, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 5A illustrates an indicator, comprising a plurality of bubbles,prior to being ruptured by excessive weight, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 5B illustrates an indicator, comprising a plurality of bubbles,after being ruptured by excessive weight, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a package handling method, in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIGS. 7 A-D show a tamper evident backing system, in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 7A shows an outer side of a tamper evident backing with perforatedsections, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7B shows the main body of the backing of FIG. 7A, after it has beentorn off a surface, with the perforated sections missing, according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 7C shows remnants of the perforated sections of the backing of FIG.7A. The remnants are left on the surface from which the backing has beentorn off, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7D shows a side view of an indicator, including backing, accordingto various embodiments;

FIG. 8A is a top image of an indicator including tamper evident backingsystem, attached to the surface of a package;

FIG. 8B shows the removal of the indicator with tamper evident backingsystem, according to various embodiments, wherein a color mark left onthe package surface is seen.

FIG. 8C shows the removal of the indicator with tamper evident backingsystem, wherein a message mark left by the removed backing can be seen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined. Rangesdisclosed herein include, unless specifically indicated, all endpointsand intermediate values.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a”, “an”, and/or“the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item inthe singular may also include the item in the plural. It is to beunderstood that the phrases “one or more” and “at least one” refer, forexample, to instances in which one of the subsequently describedcircumstances occurs, and to instances in which more than one of thesubsequently described circumstances occurs.

The term “optional” or “optionally” refer, for example, to instances inwhich subsequently described circumstances may or may not occur, andinclude instances in which the circumstance occurs and instances inwhich the circumstanced do not occur. The term “about” used inconnection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has themeaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes at least thedegree of error associated with the measurement of the particularquantity). When used in the context of a range, the term “about” shouldalso be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolutevalues of the two endpoints. For example, the range “from about 2 toabout 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4”.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration and its best mode, and not of limitation. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical andmechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. For example, the steps recited in any of themethod or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are notnecessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of thefunctions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or morethird parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes pluralembodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step mayinclude a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached,fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable,temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option.Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) mayalso include reduced contact or minimal contact. Materials forattachment may include, but is not limited to adhesive material, nails,staples, tape, attachment processes such as ultrasonic welding, etc.

The term “package” refers to any merchandise item and/or containerhousing such item (e.g. box, envelope, etc.), and may be of any size,shape, or material. This term further includes any platform (such as awooden, plastic, or metal pallet) onto which material is placed (wherethe material resident on the pallet is included as part of the “package”as well as excluded as part of the “package”). Additionally, where themerchandise is transported without any exterior container, housing,and/or platform, the term “package” may likewise reference themerchandise itself. Thus, various packages may include, but are notlimited to pallets, crates, boxes, big bags (e.g. supersacks), themerchandise itself (without any exterior container, housing, and/orplatform) and similar apparatuses used in the transportation ofmerchandise, freight, cargo, etc.

The term “pressure” generally refers to a force applied per unit area.

With reference to the accompanying figures, and in accordance withvarious embodiments, the present disclosure is generally directed to apackage handling system 100 designed to indicate whether an excessiveforce has been applied to a package 102. According to variousembodiments, the package handling system comprises an indicator 104designed to display a mishandling indication upon application of a forcein excess of a predetermined threshold (“excessive force”). Theindicator may be integrated with a package, such that it is positionedto detect the application of force to the package, and provide anindication when the force has exceeded a threshold value. The indicatormay be integrated with the package by removably or permanently attachingit to a surface (inner or outer) of the package or to an object insidethe package. Additionally, integration of the indicator with a packagemay include, but is not limited to the following methods: attachment viaan adhesive material or other attachment element (such as an adhesivebacking, glue, tape, staples, nails, melting, stitching, welding etc.),constructing the indicator as an integrated part of the package (such aswhen the indicator is manufactured as part of or embedded within thestructure of the package), etc. As exemplified in FIG. 2 , the systemmay comprise an attachment member 106 (such as an adhesive backing),configured to affix the indicator to the package or to an object insidethe package. In embodiments, a package itself (e.g. box, envelope,crate, etc.) may include the indicator, which is pre-attached and/or aconstructed part of the package. Furthermore, in embodiments, theindicator may allow for other package(s) to be stacked on top of apackage including an indicator in a manner that allows the otherpackage(s) to lay relatively flat and substantially evenly supported onthe surface of the package with the indicator. While placement of theindicator on a package may act as a deterrent to stacking anotherpackage(s) on top of the package with the indicator, it does notnecessarily have to prohibit this. For example, since it is customaryfor multiple packages to be grouped together during shipment by a commoncarrier (such as FedEx®, UPS®, USPS®, freight carriers, etc.), it is maybe advantageous that the indicator be configured in a manner whichallows for other packages to be stacked on the package which includesthe indicator. In such a case, what is important is not that anotherpackage(s) is stacked on top of the package with the indicator, butrather, that the force of the stacked package(s) does not exceed thepredetermined threshold that can be applied to the package with theindicator. In this manner, allowing for other package(s) to be stackedon the package with the indicator would be acceptable so long as theforce exerted by the other package(s) does not (by itself orcumulatively) exceed the predetermined threshold force on the packagewith the indicator.

In embodiments, the system 100 comprises affixing the indicator 104 toan outer surface 103 of the package 102. In alternate embodiments, thesystem 100 comprises affixing the indicator 104 to an inner surface,opposite outer surface 103 of the package. In additional alternateembodiments, the 100 comprises affixing the indicator to one or moresurfaces of package 102. In further alternate embodiments, the indicatormay be affixed to an object in the package, and the object may bepositioned such that the inner surface of the package is adjacent to theindicator, such that a force to the package will be transferred to theindicator.

In embodiments, the indication displayed by the indicator 104 may becaused by a physical change in the indicator. Various examples of aphysical change which may be caused by an excessive force may include acolor change effectuated by the mixing of 2 or more dyes, the breakageof at least one rupture chamber (that is filled with air, liquid, and/orgel), the breakage of a rigid material (such as plastic, wood, and/ormetal), leaking of a fluid, etc., and various combinations thereof.Additional types of changes effectuating an indication may include achemical, chromic, and/or electrical change in the indicator,effectuated by an excessive force. Thus, an indication may beeffectuated by various changes due to an excessive force, which mayinclude physical, chemical, chromic, and/or electrical, etc. changes inthe indicator. In embodiments, the indication may be visual. A visualindication may include a color change and/or textual indication, whichmay be effectuated by mixing dyes, leakage of a dye, chromism, etc.Other types of visual indications may include a phosphorous and/or blacklight visible indication, the breakage of a rupture chamber, etc. It isnoteworthy that an indication is not necessarily limited to a visualindication. For example, an indication may be auditory, olfactory, etc.,according to various embodiments.

The indication component is configured to display an indication upon aspecific pressure or force (threshold force) applied to the indicator.The threshold may be set based on the type of material, and by adjustingparameters such as material thickness, size, quality, shape, density,etc. The threshold value may be set according to desired parameters, forexample, for very fragile packaging, a minimal threshold may be set, forexample, at 0.5 lbs. In embodiments, the threshold force may be betweenabout 1 lbs and 100 lbs to detect a moderate amount of force placed onthe package. For example, the threshold value may be at about 1 lbs, orat about 5 lbs, or at about 25 lbs, or at about 50 lbs, or at about 75lbs, or at about 100 lbs. In embodiments, the threshold value may be anyvalue above 100 lbs to detect a large force placed on the package. Forexample, the threshold value may be at 200 lbs, at 500 lbs, at 800 lbs,at 1000 lbs, at 5000 lbs, or above, depending on the desiredapplication. In embodiments, the user may be able to adjust thethreshold, for example by using or layering multiple indicators orindicator sheets.

In embodiments, the indicator 104 may be in the form of a thin sheetmade out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to plastic(such as polyethylene, polyurethane, etc.), rubber film, paper (e.g.cardboard), vinyl, etc. In embodiments, the indicator 104 may be made ofa flexible material (singular such as a label and/or continuous such asa roll of material), and can be rollable or foldable for compactstorage. It is noteworthy that a rollable or foldable material mayinclude a single or multiple singular indicators that may be separatedor detached from one another via any method of detachment including, butnot limited to cutting, tearing, etc. In the case where a roll ofmaterial contains multiple singular separate indicators, such indicatorsmay be distinguished from one another via a perforation in the roll ofmaterial. Similarly, each indicator can be made pre-cut with an adhesivebacking and positioned side-by-side on a continuous non-adhesive filmthat allows each indicator to be peeled off the film when ready foraffixation to a package (such as is typically done with a roll ofadhesive backed labels). Alternatively, indicator 104 may be made out ofa rigid material (including, but not limited to plastic, wood, metal,etc.) that can snap or break in response to application of excessiveforce beyond the predetermined threshold.

In embodiments, the indicator 104 may comprise a rupture component 108configured to irreversibly collapse or rupture by the excessive force.In embodiments, the indication may alternatively comprise various layersof a chemical material that is sensitive to pressure and which changescolor upon reaching a predetermined pressure threshold. In embodiments,the indication may be comprised of multiple layers of a dye materialsandwiched together that form to reveal a distinctive color or textmessage when the excessive pressure threshold is reached.

In embodiments, rupture component 108 may be an air, liquid(non-gaseous), and/or gel filled chamber. In embodiments, the rupturecomponent 108 may comprise a singular or a plurality of bubbles 109. Thebubble(s) 108, 109 may be made of a pliable material, such as plastic,film, etc. The rupture component (bubble) 108 or bubble(s) 109 may bedesigned to rupture at a specific pressure or force (threshold force),based on the type of material, and by adjusting parameters such asmaterial thickness, size, quality, shape, bubble density (i.e. number ofbubbles per unit area), etc. The threshold value may be set according todesired parameters. For example, for very fragile packaging, a minimalthreshold may be set, for example, at 0.5 lbs, to detect weather anyobject has been placed upon the package. In embodiments, the thresholdforce may be between about 1 lbs and 100 lbs. For example, the thresholdvalue may be at about 1 lbs, or at about 5 lbs, or at about 25 lbs, orat about 50 lbs, or at about 75 lbs, or at about 100 lbs. Inembodiments, the threshold value may be any value above 100 lbs, orabove 1000 lbs, according to various embodiments. Rupture component 108,may undertake any geometric shape including, but not limited tocircular, oval, square, triangular, etc., and may further undertake any2 or 3 dimensional formation.

In embodiments, the rupture component 108 may comprise a liquid filledchamber which may include a coloring component or dye. In embodiments,the dye may be any color including luminescent or fluorescent, and/orblack light visible. In embodiments, the rupture component may includetwo or more liquid filled chambers, which may be different colored dyesthat combine to produce a third color (i.e. yellow and blue, whichcombine to make green, etc.)

In embodiments, and as particularly shown in FIG. 2 , the rupturecomponent may comprise a plurality of air filled bubbles 109 on a bottomsheet 110, such as the commonly known “Bubble wrap.” The attachmentmember 106 may be an adhesive backing on a side of the bottom sheet 110opposite the bubbles 109, as shown in FIG. 2 . The adhesive backing mayinclude a non-adhesive sheet, removable from the backing 110 to exposethe adhesive surface. In embodiments, indicator 104 may further comprisea top layer sheet 111 that is placed on top of the bubbles 109 so as to“sandwich” them in between the top and bottom layer sheets 111, and 110.In this respect, top layer sheet 111 can provide a mechanism forcontaining the indication displayed by the indicator 104 such that theindication is prevented from coming in contact with package 102, any ofits surfaces 103, or contents 101. The left 113 and right 114 sides ofbottom layer sheet 110 and left 115 and right 116 sides of top layersheet 111 can be sealed together (via, for example ultrasonic welding,heating/melting, gluing, or other method(s) applicable to the materialused, and best known to those skilled in the art) so that indicator 104comprises a side closed chamber that does not allow the indication toexit the confines of indicator 104 when bubbles 109 are breached.Additionally, and if required, front 117 and bottom back 118 ends ofbottom layer sheet 110 can similarly be sealed to front 119 and back 120ends of top layer sheet 111 in order to comprise a fully closed chamber.For example, in the case where the indication comprises a dye materialencased in bubbles 109, and excessive force has caused the bubbles 109to breach, the dye indicator that was encased in the bubbles 109 wouldspread outside the confines of the bubbles 109, yet remain within theconfines of indicator 104 so as not to come in contact with the package102 or any surface 103 of it. This would give a clear indication thatexcessive force has been placed on the package, while not allowing theindication component of indicator 104 to contaminate or affect anyportion of package 102. In embodiments, package top layer sheet 111 maybe transparent so that the indication can be easily seen through toplayer sheet 111 when the excessive force threshold has been reached andwhen it has not.

In embodiments, a liquid filled rupture component 108 may alternativelyinclude a secondary bubble cover 112, which is rupture resistant or hasa rupture threshold higher than that of rupture component 108, as shownin FIG. 3A, such that liquid is contained within the secondary cover112, upon rupture of the rupture component 108. In embodiments, aplurality of bubbles 109 (rather than single 108) may similarly becontained within a single secondary cover 112, as shown in FIG. 3B.

In embodiments, the indicator 104 may comprise a chromic material (amaterial displaying chromism which is a process that induces a colorchange in a material, and can be effectuated by various externalstimuli). In embodiments, the chromic material may displaymechanochromism, tribochromism, piezochromism, and the like, as is ormay become known with emerging technology. Such materials may displaymechanoluminescence which is light emission resulting from anymechanical action on a solid. Other examples of mechanoluminescence mayinclude fractoluminescence, which is caused by stress that results inthe formation of fractures. Thus, materials that form fracture under thepresence of stress such as weight are likewise contemplated for use withthe indicator, according to various embodiments.

Through chromism, the indicator 104 can be tuned to indicate that apredetermined weight threshold has been exceeded on the packageindicator. In embodiments, the chromic material displays irreversiblechromism, reversible chromism, or a combination thereof. In embodiments,the chromic material displays irreversible chromism upon application ofa force/pressure above a threshold. In embodiments, the chromic materialdisplays reversible chromism, or no chromism below the threshold.

In embodiments, the chromic material may be a dye, pigment, conjugatedconducting polymer, oxide, organic molecule, etc. In embodiments, thechromic material may comprise a piezochromic polymer material. Apiezochromic polymer material may include materials selected frompigments, dyes, paints, liquid crystals, microbial, etc., as is or maybecome known with emerging technology.

In embodiments, the indicator may include trademark, logo, particulardye color, or other source/ownership indication, such that it cannot bedeceptively replaced by a third party. In embodiments, the indicator mayinclude a “warning” or other message, such as “do not double-stack” or aweight tolerance limit.

Indicator 104 may be of any size or shape, to cover any portion of thesurface of the package 102, according to various embodiments.Additionally, any number of indicators may be placed on the packagesurface, according to various embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG.4 , two indicators 104 may be affixed to the top outer surface 103 ofpalletized package 102 (that is laying on pallet 121). If another palletor any other packaged cargo is placed on top of package 102, where theweight of such pallet or cargo exceeds the predetermined threshold forceof indicator(s) 104, the bubble 109 indication of indicator(s) 104 willrupture from their sealed compartment and allow the contained dye toleak out. This will provide a clear indication that excessive weight hasbeen placed on top of package 102.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show embodiments of indicator 104 in a “before” and“after” state in order to illustrate functionality. In FIG. 5A, theindicator 104 is shown wherein the predetermined threshold force has notbeen reached, thereby allowing bubbles 109 to remain un-breached andcontain the indication material (e.g. dye, in this embodiment) within.Conversely, FIG. 5B illustrates indicator 104 wherein the predeterminedthreshold force has been reached and bubbles 109 have been breached dueto excessive weight being placed on the indicator 104. The result isthat the bubbles 109 have ruptured, thereby allowing the indicationmaterial (e.g. dye, in this embodiment) to spill in between the surfacearea of bottom sheet 110 and top sheet 111. In embodiments where theleft, right, front, and back sides of the bottom sheet 110 and top sheet111 are sealed together, the spilled indication material between bottomsheet 110 and top sheet 111 is fully contained inside the confines ofindicator 104. The spilled dye thereby provides a clear indication thatexcessive weight/force has been placed on indicator 104.

In embodiments the bottom sheet 110 may comprise an absorbent materialin order to prevent any dye or other indicating material from escapingthe confines of the indicator and coming in contact with the package.Such absorbent material may include, but is not limited to thefollowing: fiber based material (such as, paper, cellulose, rayon,cotton, fluff, pulp, bamboo viscose, polyester, lycra, wool, hemp),sponge, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) (such as sodium polyacrylate,polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, polyvinylalcohol copolymers, carboxy methylcellulose, polyacrylonitrile),Hydrogels, etc.

FIG. 6 shows a package handling method 400, in accordance with variousembodiments, which comprises integrating an indicator to a package, suchthat the indicator is positioned to detect the application of force tothe package (step 402). In embodiments, step 402 may comprise affixingthe indicator to an outer and/or inner surface of the package. Inembodiments, the indicator may be affixed to the surface via anadhesive. For example, the indicator may be adhesively affixed to anouter surface of the package, according to various embodiments. In someembodiments, the indicator may comprise a temper evident backing 701(See FIGS. 7A-D). In embodiments, the package may be preformed with theindicator as a component of the package. For example, the package may bepreformed with the indicator integrated into its outer and/or innersurface, according to various embodiments. In alternate embodiments,integrating the indicator to the package may comprise coupling (e.g.affixing) the indicator to an object encased in the package, rather thanto the package itself, wherein the indicator is positioned to detect theapplication of a force to the package. Thus, according to the method,the package including the indicator may be handed to a third party, suchas a package delivery company (e.g. FedEx®, UPS®), freight company (e.g.YRC® Freight Lines, Old Dominion® Freight Lines, ABF® Freight Lines,Fedex® Freight Lines, etc.), a moving company, etc. Thus, based on thepresence or absence of a mishandling indication by the indicator, onewill be able to determine whether the package has been subject to anexcessive force.

Indicator Backing

FIGS. 7-8C illustrate a tamper evident backing system 700, which may beused in conjunction with the package handling system 100 for thedisclosed indicator 104, according to preferred embodiments. Inembodiments, the backing system 700 is configured to leave a mark as anindication of an attempt to remove and/or removal of the indicator 104.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-D, and in accordance with a first embodiment, thesystem 700 may comprise a backing 701 having sectioned portions 702(“sections 702”) within the main body, wherein the sectioned portionsare configured to detach or tear off from the main body 704 of thebacking 701. According to various embodiments, the backing 701 comprisesan adhesive outer surface 706, wherein the main body 704 and sections702 are both mostly or entirely adhesive. In some embodiments, anon-adhesive sheet 708 may be provided against the outer surface, whicha user may peel off before attaching the backing 701, i.e. indicator 104to a surface 710 of a package.

According to various embodiments, sections 702 may comprise perforatedor pre-cut (i.e. pre-punctured) enclosures. Such sections 702 may be ofany geometric shape or design, e.g. circles, ovals, squares, stars, etc.According to various embodiments, the sections 702 may be randomlyorganized, staggered, or patterned within the main body 701. In someembodiments, the sections 702 may be configured according to a companylogo design or any other fanciful image. In embodiments, the number ofsections 702 may very depending on such factors as the size of thebacking 701, size or geometric shape of sections 702, etc. For example,a backing for an indicator 104 may include anywhere from about 1 to 1000sections 702, or from about 50 to 500 sections 702, or any otherdetermined number of sections 702.

The sections 702 are integral with the main body 704 during normal use,and attach or stick to a surface when the backing 701 is attachedthereto. However, when the backing 701 or indicator comprising thebacking is peeled off said surface, the sections 702 remain attached tothe surface. Consequently, the sections 702 will need to be peeled offone by one to completely remove the backing 701 from the surface. Thus,the indicator is configured to show when an attempt has been made toremove the indicator, or to otherwise deter removal of the indicator.

According to various embodiments, the sections 702 and/or main body 704of the backing 701 may be colored. In some embodiments, the sections 702and/or main body 704 of the backing 701 may be smooth. In someembodiments, the sections 702 and/or main body 704 of the backing 701may textured (e.g. ridged, dimpled, spiked, etc.).

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a second embodiment of the tamper evident backingsystem 700, which may be used in conjunction with the package handlingsystem 100 for the disclosed indicator 104, according to preferredembodiments. According to this second embodiment, as shown in FIGS.8A-C, the backing 701 may be configured to leave a color mark and/orstamp upon removal from the surface 710 of the package. To this end theadhesive outer surface 706 may comprise a dye or coloration, which willremain as a residual mark on the surface 710 when the backing isremoved. According to various embodiments, the color mark and/or stampcan be any written message, logo, pictorial display, etc. and istransferred from the bottom of the strip to the area of the packagewhere the strip was peeled from.

For example, the indicator may be configured to leave a pattern of colorspots 800, as shown in FIG. 8B, or a printed message 802, as shown inFIG. 8C. In embodiments, the indicator may also be customized with auniquely colored outer surface, and/or marking, such that anyoneattempting to remove the indicator will be unable to replace it withanother indicator of the same colored backing and/or marking.

In some embodiments, the backing may be configured to leave bothsections and colored markings.

The adhesive backing 701 may be made of various materials, which may beflexible, rigid, etc., according to various embodiments. Such materialsmay comprise, for example, adhesive compounds, polymers, composites,ceramics, fibers, fabrics, wood, plastic, paper, foam, metal, etc. Theadhesive backing 701 may be of various thicknesses, which may range, forexample from around a millimeter to several centimeters, according tovarious embodiments. It may likewise be of various texture and firmness,ranging, for example, from soft to hard.

Thus, the disclosed backing system 700 provides additional assurancethat mishandling of a package may be detected in accordance with thepackage handling system 100 system, as it deters removal of an indicator104 which shows that the package has been mishandled or over stacked. Itis further contemplated that the disclosed backing system 700 may alsobe used for other applications, for example car registration stickers,and other adhesive labels wherein it may be desirable to deter removal.In this embodiment, backing system 700 need not be integrated withindicator 104, but instead, can be integrated with labels alone (whichpreferably have an adhesive backing), such as tamper resistant labels(for detection of tampering, opening of, and or compromise of a productand/or its outer packaging) as well as labels used for ornamentalpurposes. Similarly, in other embodiments, backing system 700 can beutilized with other indication systems and/or sensors that do notincorporate indicator 104. Such other indication systems and/or sensorsmay include, but are not limited to electronic, mechanical, and/orchemical based indicators that can detect movement, presence, geographiclocation, moisture, light, pressure, heat, cold, temperaturefluctuations, etc. One example of an electronic indication systempertains to security device indicators that can alert of actual and/orpossible theft of an item/package to which such indicator is affixed to.Often if such security device (along with a package to which it isaffixed to) is transported beyond a certain perimeter (e.g. theentrance/exit of a store), an alert warning (such as audio in the formof an alarm and/or visual in the form of flashing lights) is emittedfrom such security device. The alert warning may simultaneously oralternatively be emitted by an external electronic alert system (via anaudio speaker and/or light emitting mechanism) that may electronically,or otherwise, communicate with said security device (that is affixed tothe package) and is situated proximate to and/or near-by said perimeter.Security device indicators include, but are not limited to electronicmechanisms that can transmit and/or receive electronic signals such asradio frequency, infrared, or other communication transmissiontechnology best known to those skilled in the art).

Systems and methods are provided. In the detailed description herein,references to “various embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment describedmay include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, butevery embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed. After reading the description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of the invention. The scope of the invention isaccordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, inwhich reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore”. Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C”is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted tomean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may bepresent in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, orthat any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in asingle embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and Band C. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for”. As used herein, the terms “comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also thatvarious, presently unforeseen or unanticipated, alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An indicator for a package handling systemcomprising: an indicator display; and an adhesive backing coupled to theindicator display, wherein the indicator is configured to attach to asurface of a package of the package handling system via the adhesivebacking, wherein said package handling system comprises stackablepackages, wherein the indicator is configured to allow for at least oneother package to be stacked on top of a package to which the indicatoris attached in a manner that allows the other package to lay relativelyflat and substantially evenly supported on the surface of the packagewith the attached indicator, wherein the indicator is configured todisplay an indication upon application of a stacked weight forceexceeding a predetermined threshold value applied to the indicator,wherein the adhesive backing includes a main body and sectioned portionswithin the main body, and wherein upon removal of an attached indicator,said sectioned portions are configured to detach from the main body andremain on said surface.
 2. The indicator of claim 1, wherein theindication displayed by the indicator is effectuated by at least one ofa chromic, physical, chemical, and electrical change by the indicator.3. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the indication displayed by theindicator is visual.
 4. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the indicatorcomprises a chromic component.
 5. The indicator of claim 1, wherein theindication comprises a color change of the indicator.
 6. The indicatorof claim 1, wherein the sectioned portions comprise perforated or precutenclosures.
 7. The indicator of claim 6, wherein the sectioned portionscomprise a geometric enclosed shape or a logo design.
 8. The indicatorof claim 6, wherein the main body and or sectioned portions are colored.9. The indicator of claim 6, wherein the main body and or sectionedportions are textured.
 10. The indicator of claim 1, the indicatordisplay comprising a rupture component configured to rupture uponapplication of said force exceeding said threshold value.
 11. Theindicator of claim 10, wherein the rupture component is a chamber filledwith air, liquid, gel, or a combination thereof.
 12. An indicator for apackage handling system comprising: an indicator display; and a tamperevident backing system including an adhesive backing coupled to theindicator display, the adhesive backing having a main body and anindication mark comprising sectioned portions, wherein the indicator isconfigured to attach to a surface of a package of the package handlingsystem via the adhesive backing, wherein said package handling systemcomprises stackable packages, wherein the indicator is configured toallow for at least one other package to be stacked on top of a packageto which the indicator is attached in a manner that allows the otherpackage to lay relatively flat and substantially evenly supported on thesurface of the package with the attached indicator, wherein theindicator is configured to display an indication upon application of astacked weight force exceeding a predetermined threshold value appliedto the indicator, and wherein upon removal of an attached indicator,said sectioned portions are configured to detach from the main body andremain on said surface.
 13. The indicator of claim 12, wherein thesectioned portions comprise perforated or precut enclosures.
 14. Theindicator of claim 13, wherein the sectioned portions comprise ageometric enclosed shape or a logo design.
 15. An indicator for apackage handling system comprising: an indicator display; and a tamperevident backing system, including an adhesive backing coupled to theindicator display, the adhesive backing having a main body and a colormark within the main body, wherein the indicator is configured to attachto a surface of a package of the package handling system via theadhesive backing, wherein said package handling system comprisesstackable packages, wherein the indicator is configured to allow for atleast one other package to be stacked on top of a package to which theindicator is attached in a manner that allows the other package to layrelatively flat and substantially evenly supported on the surface of thepackage with the attached indicator, wherein the indicator is configuredto display an indication upon application of a stacked weight forceexceeding a predetermined threshold value applied to the indicator andwherein upon removal of an attached indicator, said color mark isconfigured to imprint on said surface.
 16. The indicator of claim 15,wherein the indication displayed by the indicator is effectuated by atleast one of a chromic, physical, chemical, and electrical change by theindicator.
 17. The indicator of claim 15, wherein the indicationdisplayed by the indicator is visual.
 18. The indicator of claim 15,wherein the indication comprises a color change of the indicator. 19.The indicator of claim 15, the indicator display comprising a rupturecomponent configured to rupture upon application of said force exceedingsaid threshold value.
 20. The indicator of claim 19, wherein the rupturecomponent is a chamber filled with air, liquid, gel, or a combinationthereof.